New Delhi, Aug 25 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced that India is setting up a 100-bed super-specialty hospital in Suva as well as Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Fiji, and will contribute to strengthening of the South Pacific Island nation’s maritime security.
In his media statement, following talks with visiting Fijian PM Sitiveni Rabuka at Hyderabad House, PM Modi also referred to his 2014 visit to Fiji as PM, which was the first by an Indian prime minister in 33 years. During that visit India had announced launching of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation, ‘FIPIC’.
“That initiative has given new strength not only to India-Fiji relations, but also to our association with the entire Pacific region,” the PM said, adding that with the visit of the Fijian PM, the two nations are adding a new chapter to their bilateral ties.
PM Modi also referred to the large Indo-Fijian population. “India and Fiji share a deep bond of intimacy. In the nineteenth century, more than 60,000 indentured brothers and sisters from India have contributed to the prosperity of Fiji with their hard work and sweat. They have added new colors to the social and cultural diversity of Fiji. They have continuously strengthened the unity and integrity of Fiji,” he said.
He thanked PM Rabuka for announcing the holding of Girmit Day to commemorate the arrival of the Indian indentured labourers in Fiji. “I welcome the announcement of ‘Girmit Day’ by Prime Minister Rambuka. This is a tribute to our shared history. It is a tribute to the memories of our previous generations,” he said.
“Today in our extensive talks, we took many important decisions. We believe that only a healthy nation can be a prosperous nation. Therefore, we decided that a 100-bed super specialty hospital will be built in ‘Suva’. Dialysis units and sea ambulances will be sent. And, Jan Aushadhi Kendras will be opened, so that cheap and high quality medicines will reach every home,” the PM said, and added that India will also organise a ‘Jaipur Foot’ camp in Fiji.
In the field of agriculture, he announced that cowpea, or Indian Lobia seeds sent from India, are germinating very well in Fiji. India will also gift 12 agri-drones and two mobile soil testing labs. “We congratulate the Fijian government for the acceptance of Indian ghee in Fiji.”
The PM said the two sides have prepared an action plan to strengthen cooperation in the defence and maritime sector. “To strengthen Fiji’s maritime security, India will provide training and equipment assistance. We are ready to share our experience in the areas of cyber security and data protection.”
“We are unanimous that terrorism is a big challenge for the entire humanity. We express our gratitude to Prime Minister Rabuka and the Fijian government for their cooperation and support in our fight against terrorism,” PM Modi said.
He also said that Indian teachers will be sent to teach Hindi and Sanskrit in Fiji University. And Fijian Pandits will come to India for training and will also participate in the Gita Mahotsav. “The relationship will deepen from language to culture,” he added.
With climate change posing a critical threat to Fiji, the PM said the two sides are working together in renewable energy, especially solar energy. “We are together in the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and Global Biofuels Alliance. Now we will also help in increasing Fiji’s capabilities in disaster response,” the PM added.
“We see Fiji as a hub in cooperation with Pacific Island countries. We both support a free, open, inclusive, safe, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Prime Minister’s ‘Oceans of Peace’ is a very positive thought. We welcome Fiji to join India’s Indo-Pacific Ocean initiative,” he said.
“India and Fiji may be oceans apart, but our aspirations sail in the same boat. “We are also fellow travelers in the development journey of the Global South. We are partners in building a world order where the independence, ideas and identity of the Global South are respected.
“We believe that no voice should be ignored, and no nation should be left behind,” the PM said.
“From the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, our partnership is a bridge across the seas. It is rooted in Veilomani, and built on trust and respect,” the PM said.
India to set up 100-bed super specialty hospital in Fiji, Jan Aushadhi Kendras: PM Modi
